Do you have constant thumb pain? Do everyday tasks like gripping objects or writing hurt because of thumb arthritis, also known as rhizarthrosis? If so, you are not alone, and there may be relief. A study looked at a surgery called first carpometacarpal arthroplasty and if it can reduce pain, help the thumb move, and improve quality of life.
This is what the study found:
- The surgery greatly improved how the thumb could move and reduced pain.
- The implant survived well after one year and after three years.
- Both types of implants used in the study had similar results in reducing pain and improving function.
Now, let’s look at these findings. Below, we explain them step by step.
What is the implant survival rate after surgery?
One big question with any joint replacement is how long the implant lasts. In this study, 35 patients had first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthroplasty between 2020 and March 2024.
Here’s what the surgeons found:
| Time Since Surgery | Implant Survival Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | 97% |
| 3 Years | 86% |
It’s encouraging to see such a high survival rate early on. You may wonder why this matters. A high survival rate means fewer problems or failures over time, leading to better long term results. This is important for people who want a reliable cure for thumb pain.
Does it help with thumb movement?
If you have thumb arthritis, losing movement in your thumb can be very hard. The study found that after surgery, people could move their thumbs much better.
How do we know it works?
Experts measured movement with the Kapandji score. This score shows how well the thumb can move to different positions, from touching the fingers to doing tasks.
After the surgery, people could do many things they could not do before, like grabbing objects or making a fist. This is a big step toward getting back your everyday life!
Will it reduce pain?
Many people do not like pain. If thumb arthritis keeps you from sleeping or from daily life, you will be glad to know the surgery helped a lot with pain.
How do we measure pain?
Researchers used the Visual Analog Scale, called VAS. Patients mark how much pain on a scale from 0 to 10. After the surgery, pain scores dropped a lot. This means less discomfort and a chance to enjoy life more.
What about complications?
All surgeries can have problems. In this study, there was one complication during the surgery and two after. These were rare, which supports the safety of the procedure overall. You may ask, should I worry about complications? It is always best to talk with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits and to see if this is a good option for you.
FAQ
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is arthritis in the thumb joint. It can cause pain, stiffness, and trouble doing everyday tasks like opening jars.
How does this surgery work?
The procedure replaces the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint with an implant to restore movement and reduce pain.
What are my options if I have thumb pain?
If rest and medications aren’t helping, your doctor may suggest physical therapy or surgery like first CMC arthroplasty.
Are there different types of implants?
Yes, the study looked at “standard” implants and “dual mobility” implants, and both provided similar results in terms of improving movement and reducing pain.
Conclusion
Studies show that first carpometacarpal arthroplasty helps ease thumb pain from rhizarthrosis. It also helps your thumb move better, so you can grip and do daily tasks again. There were a few complications, but the implants stayed alive a long time, which gives hope for long term benefits. Could this be your answer for thumb arthritis? Talk with your doctor to find what is right for you.
This site helps people like you find answers about thumb pain and rhizarthrosis. We explain medical studies in simple ways. If you want, you can read more of our helpful articles.
Disclaimer
This article is based on a published study and is written to educate. It does not replace medical advice from a professional. Always talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns or treatment choices for your medical condition.
Study Citation
Brancik, P.; Apostolopoulos, V.; Nachtnebl, L.; Rapi, J.; Liskay, J.; Emmer, J.; Tomas, T., 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39610574